Calgary police have charged a man with two counts of break-and-enter after he allegedly committed the second offence less than a day after being arrested and released for the first.
A Spree of Early Morning Intrusions
The incidents began in the early hours of Saturday, December 21. At approximately 3:50 a.m., residents in the 4600 block of 84th Street N.W. reported a suspicious person attempting to enter their home. Officers responded, but the suspect had already fled the scene.
Less than two hours later, at a home in the 8600 block of 34th Avenue N.W., residents awoke to find an intruder inside. Police arrived and arrested the man at the scene. "He was taken into custody, charged and later released," police stated in a Wednesday press release.
Repeat Offence the Following Morning
The cycle repeated swiftly. At 8:35 a.m. on Sunday, December 22, police were called to the 3400 block of 86th Street N.W. for another report of an intruder, this time in an unfinished home.
"Upon arrival, police located the same man who had been charged earlier this week," authorities confirmed. "One man has been charged in relation to both incidents."
The accused is Jett Ethan Devost, 22, of Calgary. He faces two counts of break-and-enter and is scheduled to make his next court appearance on January 23, 2026.
Police Highlight Concerns Over "Catch-and-Release"
This case has brought renewed attention to what police and some political figures describe as a problematic "catch-and-release" pattern, where suspects are released only to reoffend in short order.
In light of the incidents and the holiday season, Calgary police issued a public safety reminder. They urged residents to maintain vigilance by:
- Ensuring all windows, doors, and vehicles are securely locked.
- Installing surveillance cameras with battery backup.
- Keeping entry points well-lit.
- Avoiding leaving packages on doorsteps for extended periods.
- Arranging for neighbours to shovel snow from sidewalks and driveways when away, to give the appearance the home is occupied.
The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of home security and have sparked further debate about judicial processes for repeat offenders in the city.
